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LAVATER’S CHARACTER-READING
Lavater, in the late eighteenth century, illustrated his principles of physiognomy with these notes (abbreviated) on the profile "Shades" reproduced in 1 to 6
above.
Fig. I. An original countenance that will speak sensibility, timidity, perspicuity, wit, and
imagination. Not to be numbered among the strong, bold, unshaken, and enterprising; but very considerate, cautious
to timidity.
Fig.. 2. A man of business. Undoubtedly possessed of talents, punctual honest, love of order, and deliberation. An acute inspector of men; a calm, dry, determined
judge. To the middle of the mouth is an advancing trait, which speaks superiority in common affairs.
Fig. 3. A good head-Cannot be mistaken, not even in shade. Conceal the under part and Leave only the
nose and forehead visible and signs of attention, love of order and certainty are apparent. -The forehead,
altogether, is too perpendicular for a productive, mind.
Fig. 4. The forehead is not so entirely exact and pure as to discover the whole capacity of his
understanding. The harmony of the whole, especially the nose, mouth, and chin, denote a mind of extraordinary
observation, research, and analysis.
Fig. 5. A noble forehead, a miracle of purity, the love of
order, I might say, the love of light. Such the nose, such is all.
Fig. 6. Much is to be learnt from this shade. Takes little, gives much; this is particularly
conspicuous in the too round outline of the lips, which is most defective. The most delicate lines have either not been
remarked, or cut away. The upper part of the forehead is, also, something curtailed; otherwise this countenance is
refined, discreet, capable of talents, taste, wit, and
morals.
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